Burnley boss Dyche – ‘We’re not a long ball side’

Dan Black

Statistics released this week described Burnley as the “worst offenders” in terms of long balls in the Premier League.

Opta’s research showed the Clarets have attempted 1,737 long balls - the most in the top flight - ahead of Manchester United in second, with 1,696.

But Clarets boss Sean Dyche refutes that his team is a long-ball side: “It’s about perception meets fact, and I deal in fact - I don’t worry about perception.

“People who see us know how we operate, and enjoy it.

“I like to think we operate in an effective manner, and if you have players who can deliver long passes with quality, like Kieran Trippier, you don’t want to take that away from players.

“I know Manc hester United have a few players who can play a terrific long pass as well, so why not?

“But I like mixed, effective football and think we deliver it in a good manner which I certainly enjoy.”

Meanwhile, Burnley go to Sunderland tomorrow looking to claim what would be an important three points against a side above them by a goal on goal difference.

The game comes too soon for Matt Taylor and Stephen Ward, but Dyche - who, bar long-term casualty Kevin Long has no other injury worries - is delighted with their progress: “Matty is back training with us more regularly, and Wardy is doing really well. He’s not training fully yet, but is making a strong recovery at the moment.”